VIDEO: Bieber Fans Want Freedom
Have you heard about Ticketmaster’s new “paperless ticketing” for events? I talked to Justin Bieber fans to find out how they would feel about the switch to restrictive ticketing.
My previous post prompted some questions about whether I support government action to prevent paperless ticketing. I do not think the government needs to get involved here. However, I do believe event-goers should have a voice in the matter. (Watch the video to learn more about the issue.)
Ticketmaster, as I am sure everyone knows, is practically a monopoly. Because of their strong market power and lack of competition, Ticketmaster has freedom to enact unpopular policies. They are able to do this without suffering a huge loss in business because fans do not have the option to buy tickets from a different company. It is like Ticketmaster is saying, “My way or the highway, fools!”
But that is not what fans want. They want choice, and they do not want to be told what to do with their tickets once they buy them. There is value in customers telling companies what they want, not the other way around. Watch the video to see what Bieber fans have to say (the kids were so cute with their posters and costumes).





Below is an interesting new business idea that adds another layer to ticket ownership. Do you have a right to keep your purchased seat empty if you choose? Does the app have to go through the stadium and not go peer-to-peer for the “scalp”?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanriper/2012/11/29/in-game-seat-upgrades-the-next-tech-wave-for-sports-tickets/
Enjoy the mix between hard policy discussions and more lighthearted posts here on Show-Me Daily. Liberty isn’t always about budgets. =)
Comment by Daniel — November 30, 2012 @ 9:12 a.m.
Thanks Daniel, I hadn’t heard about Pogoseat. It’s a smart idea from a business standpoint to capture that extra revenue. But you bring up a good point — do you have a right to keep the seat if you are the original buyer? The original buyer should have to agree to give up the seat before Pogoseat is allowed to sell it to someone else. But they should also be able to give the seat to a friend if they choose, and not have to give it back to the stadium if they can’t make it.
And thanks for the note- it’s fun to throw in some lighthearted content here and there!
Comment by Kacie Galbraith — November 30, 2012 @ 9:40 a.m.